Martha’s Vineyard faces Nantucket in 35th annual Island Cup

Think high school football rivalries are over just because the leftover turkey has made its way to the refrigerator? Think again.

Better yet, check to see when the nearest ferry departs on Saturday.

That’s when Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket kick off in the 35th annual Island Cup at 1 p.m. on Nantucket with the series tied at 17 apiece.

“It’s a unique rivalry only because of the geography,” Martha’s Vineyard coach Donald Herman said. “Two islands, very similar lifestyles, very similar communities, very proud athletic programs.

“They get together one day a year and don’t like each other.”

This year, the rivalry was moved back to the weekend after Thanksgiving as opposed to the weekend before because of a possible conflict with MIAA’s new playoff system which had state semifinals the weekend before the holiday.